Ever since I became a mom, I always think of flaxseed as an incognito health boost for my kids. One of the best secrets I learned early on after my kids started eating solid foods was that flaxseeds were delicious but had a neutral-enough flavor that I could sneak them into other foods without them noticing. Little do they know there are flaxseeds in their spaghetti sauce and in those sloppy joes they love. It’s my secret, but this little seed has a big impact on a person’s health.

Flaxseeds grow from the flax plant, which has narrow leaves and blue flowers, and is also the source of the fabric linen.1 Flaxseeds are particularly rich in alpha lineolic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid believed to be helpful in lowering cholesterol, as well as vitamins, minerals, potassium, and soluble and insoluble fiber.1, 2 They also contain lignans, a type of phytoestrogen that may protect against certain types of cancer.2 This omega-3 fatty acid content also helps skin protect itself by increasing natural oils, keeping skin soft and preventing it from drying out.3

In the kitchen

Flaxseeds have a warm, earthy, nutty flavor, and are eaten either whole, ground or in the form of oil, which can be added to cooked food for a health and flavor boost. They are slightly larger than sesame seeds and have a smooth, shiny shell, varying in color from deep amber to reddish brown, depending on the variety. Ground flaxseeds are convenient, but be sure that they are packaged in a vacuum-sealed package and refrigerated after opening to avoid spoilage. Whole flaxseeds are usually prepackaged and have a longer shelf life than ground flaxseeds.4 Flaxseeds are commonly used in baked goods, such as crackers, breads, cakes and muffins, and they can also be used in juice drinks and smoothies, and sprinkled on salads and breakfast cereals.1

4. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients with a spatula, being careful not to over mix.

5. Fold in banana pieces and frozen blueberries with a spatula.

6. Place batter in muffin tin.

7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean.

* Weetabix is a trade name of Weetabix Food Co., Kettering, England

How-to Treatment: Detoxifying Back Treatment

From Escape Day Spa and Salon, Nashville, Tennessee 60 minutes

Allow clients to reveal the youthful appearance of their backs with this pampering and therapeutic modern body treatment. This stress-reducing service focuses on a very hard to reach, yet important area.

Treatment duration:

Treatment cost: $80

Products needed:

Body wash

Flaxseed body exfoliator

Lactic acid peel

Nourishing body oil

Mist toner

Body moisturizer

Dual protection sunscreen

Supplies needed:

7 hot towels

2 large dry towels

4 rubber bowls

Table warmer

Sheets and blankets

Equipment needed:

Extractor tool

High frequency tool

Before treatment: Dress the table with two flat sheets, a warm blanket and a plastic sheet.

Step 1: After greeting the client and reviewing the consultation form, go over the steps you will be performing and make sure the client understands the treatment contraindications: pregnancy or allergies to any of the products used. Ask the client to lie face down to begin the treatment.

Step 2: Once the client is comfortable and on the treatment bed, apply one to two drops of the nourishing body oil of her choice to your palms. Cup your hands under the client’s nose and mouth area, being careful not to make contact, and ask her to take three slow, deep breaths in through her nose and out through her mouth. Ask the client to concentrate on achieving a full exhalation with each breath.

Step 3: With the client in the prone position, gently cleanse the back with the body wash, then rinse and remove the residue with a hot towel.

Step 4: Manually exfoliate the back with the flaxseed body exfoliator for five minutes, then remove the residue with hot towels.

Step 5: Perform a skin analysis, and discuss any findings or areas of concern with the client. Also, make note of areas you will be focusing on during the treatment.

Step 6: Perform a second exfoliation with a lactic acid peel for a maximum of 30 minutes, then thoroughly remove residue with hot towels.

Step 7: Perform extractions using tissues on fingers or an extractor tool. Extract blemishes, and then mist with mist toner.

Step 8: Apply high frequency tool to the extracted areas to kill bacteria for approximately three minutes.

Step 9: Massage back with nourishing body oil for approximately 10–15 minutes to stimulate circulation and relax the back muscles.

Step 10: Apply body moisturizer to further hydrate and heal the skin.

Step 11: Finally, apply sunscreen if the treatment has taken place during daytime hours.

Step 12: Allow the client to dress and meet her outside with a glass of water. Discuss a recommended future treatment schedule and products to aid in addressing her skin concerns or condition.

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